Werder Bremen forward Marco Arnautovic could miss the rest of the season after tearing knee ligaments in an accident.
The Austria international, who has scored nine goals this season, twisted his knee after getting his foot caught in the ground while playing with his dog, according to the Bundesliga club.
Arnautovic has been ruled out for at least six weeks by Bremen's club doctor Gotz Dimanski, leaving him only a few weeks of the season to recover full fitness, if his injury heals according to plan.
''We will try all we can to get him fit and healthy again as quickly as possible,'' said Dr Dimanski. ''But he will be out for at least six weeks.''
The news comes as a blow to Bremen, who have won only one of their last eight games and have failed to score in their last two matches, both 1-0 defeats.
''Marko has informed us of the news and of course it is frustrating because we lose an important option for the coming weeks,'' said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf.
